Electronica

(Aphex Twin, Massive Attack, Moby)

Henrik José – The Little Things

Henrik José, formally known as Bliss, comes to us from Malmö, Sweden. He started making music with computers all the way back in 1995 and has been sharing his free and amazing sounds ever since 1997. And now, after a break spinning nearly three years, Henrik is finally back with his latest release of The Little Things (and I have to say it was well worth the wait). The EP, available through the netlabel 23 Seconds (hosting some of the great young aspiring artists) and being the first official release under his real name, is a perfect example of wonderfully put together electronica/pop sounds for just about any ear.

Viola: Anything Can Stop Us

Viola is a Finnish electronic duo that knows how to create some fun, 80s infused dance pop electronica sound. On their website, they describe themselves as "Two guys influenced by beautiful heartfelt music, ass-shaking beats, sub-par humor and hidden messages." Indeed, they do create some fancy, danceable beats that make you want to gyrate your way down the dancefloor. There's also a nice blend of vocal work, instruments and electronic beats intertwined in this album. The record is the group's second album and the "first as an electronic duo." From the looks of things, it seems they might want to stick to this electronic sound for some time. Grab the download right now.

Earwig: Under My Skin I Am Laughing

Earwig is a three piece band, led by the chanteuse, Kirsty Yates, Sergei Tardo, and Dimitri Voulis. This lineup only lasted for one record though, the experimental and hauntingly melodic, Under My Skin I Am Laughing. This compilation was originally released back in 1992 under La Di Da. This compilation is the only full length release from the electronic, experimental outfit. Afterwards, Sergei and Kirsty pursued on as the Insides. They released their record Euphoria to great acclaim and this also helped solidify their jazzy, trippy, and transient sound. Currently, the group are on hiatus. Their last effort as Insides was a full length record released back on 2000, Sweet Tips. Nevertheless, you can take a listen to this Earwig record and see how it all started.

Music for Danny Devito

Did you ever put together a mixtape (or to be more time appropriate a mp3mix) to give it to someone special, or did you ever got one yourself? Yes, it might be a little bit old-school and some might even call it cheesy, but down deep inside we all know it is pretty - awesome. Well Mr. Devito you should feel special because MixGalaxy Records just 'gave' you a little gift of music. The compilation brings you one hour of great tracks ranging from easy listening, rock, and pop to ambient, dub, hip-hop, and electro-house. So give it a try... and a listen.

Clones Of The Queen: The Gate EP

Clones of the Queen is a Hawaii based band that creates some sultry, techno, trip hop, rock sound. The trio is made up of frontwoman, Ara Laylo, guitarist Paul Bajcar and electronics by Matt McVickar. The Gate is their first EP and comes with 7 endearingly haunting tracks that's definitely worth your while. The album is filled with the band's signature brooding feel with a touch of spacey sounding indie rock. Laylo's voice is cold yet soothing when mixed with the synth soundscapes that often surround it. Ever since their beginning years, jamming together in a bank vault situation atop a coffee shop; the band has come quite a long way. Although they're still at the beginning stages, you can tell that this band has a bright future ahead. Take a listen.

Music That Matters: KEXP

I fell in love with the series nearly two years ago during one of my lovely commutes to work for one simple reason - it brings you the most amazing variety of music just in time when you can no longer listen to the same songs you had on your iPod since 2000. Each podcast comes with a theme and a selection of sounds (from nearly every genre imaginable, with a slightly greater love for alternative and indie rock) put together by some of the greatest DJs from Northwest.

Intercontinental Music Lab: IIML Goes to War

The Intercontinental Music Lab has finally come out with their latest effort. A compilation of 14 tracks that combine folk, pop, rock, alternative, jazz and everything in between. Intercontinental Music Lab Goes to War is the latest effort from this experimental group. Basically, the group/organization has been around since 2008 and has released five previous albums. Each record revolves around a theme or concept, which musicians or groups can pick a subject from and create music about. It's much more detailed than that of course, but the result is nevertheless, an epic collaboration between musicians and artists. This is one great record to have by your side whether you're heading out to war or not.

Dumbo Gets Mad: Elephants At The Door

To master the sound of a certain era is not an easy task to do, but Dumbo Gets Mad, a one man (with a occasional help of a girlfriend's amazing voice) psychedelia project straight from Italy, is definitely on the right track. Experimenting with old-fashioned tape machines and analog synthesizers, this solo act brings its unmatched psychedelic melodies and noises to keep you daydream of a sunny coast of California even on the worst of North's winter days.

The Shark Bubbles: Necktie Troublespot

Call it noise rock, psychedelic electronic dance pop or indie spacerock, whatever it is, Necktie Troublespot by The Shark Bubbles is, well, something else. This German band's music has been likened to those of great rockers The Velvet Underground, and it's not just the Nico-esque female vocals we're talking about. Necktie Troublespot is an eclectic album filled with uncharacteristic song arrangements, diverse instrument work and music that appeals to your senses.